Forums > Sailing General

Austral Clubman 8

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Created by Windseaka > 9 months ago, 11 Jul 2024
Windseaka
1 posts
11 Jul 2024 8:31AM
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Hi All
I'm thinking to purchase a Clubman 8 just wondering if anyone has any experience with these boats , if they are a good social cruiser overnighter and what I should be looking at Or any other suggestions

Cheers

r13
NSW, 1712 posts
11 Jul 2024 5:31PM
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julesmoto has one and is the expert - expect he will chime in soon.

Search this site for his numerous posts.

3 issues I can recall are slight cracking in fore hatch foredeck 1/2 round drain channel ends, added lateral foredeck beam under foredeck (take carpet off.............re-glue neatly.........) and rudder which is not well balanced - should be 12-15% balanced any more and it will "steer itself". All of these are no big deal and can be reasonably easily fixed - the rudder balance with a wedge.

julesmoto
NSW, 1569 posts
11 Jul 2024 5:33PM
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Select to expand quote
Windseaka said..
Hi All
I'm thinking to purchase a Clubman 8 just wondering if anyone has any experience with these boats , if they are a good social cruiser overnighter and what I should be looking at Or any other suggestions

Cheers






I have one. Send me a PM and we can have a chat by phone.

Sitting on mine making dinner in the Whitsundays as I post. Pic from earlier today:)



jamieson
NSW, 9 posts
17 Mar 2025 12:53PM
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Hi All,

I am keen to chime into this chat too. Just sold my trailer sailer and am looking for an upgrade. Was looking at the clubman 8. I am a Novice sailor that is keen to sail mainly inshore with the family. And advice on the pros and cons of this boat?
like the large open cockpit with it, plus is looks great. Am a little nervous about the perceived tenderness of the boat and also large rig.

Like the trailer sailors as our marina has a dry storage area and our river (Clarence riven northern nsw) has quite a few shallow spots that we can navigate with the retractable keel. Had a windward 7 for about 6 months but sold it as I may have been moved through work. Now staying put so keen to get into another one to progress my sailing skills with the wife and 2 kids.

Thanks

Planter
NSW, 161 posts
17 Mar 2025 3:58PM
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If have mast up storage,? look at originals - Farr 7500/Noelex 25/RL 28 - should not frighten the family,and are comfortable to camp on .

jamieson
NSW, 9 posts
17 Mar 2025 8:06PM
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Legend, thanks mate

Grith
SA, 103 posts
18 Mar 2025 2:12AM
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I suggest dropping in over onto the Facebook page trailer sailer cruising Australia and asking these questions there. Over 4000 specifically trailer sailer interested and owners discussing these topics there.

Chris 249
NSW, 3513 posts
18 Mar 2025 2:29PM
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I've only sailed one a couple of times but found it very impressive in all respects. All of those 8+m "maxi Tys" are (IMHO) on the tippy side because at that length, the trailerable beam restrictions are creating a fairly skinny boat. But just reef early or drop the jib early. Most, perhaps all, could meet overnight offshore racing stability requirements so unlike some small TYs they will pop up reliably.

The South Coast Magnum 8.5 is a similar boat and also impressive in my opinion. That style of boat has headroom, a private head, private cabin, enough space..it's a great size. I still have my old lightish 28'er on a trailer awaiting restoration and when we're out on the 36 we often miss the ease of sailing the 28.



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"Austral Clubman 8" started by Windseaka